Custody Road Map

Pennsylvania Attorney Guiding You Through Child Custody

When mothers and fathers do not reside together, it is very important to the security and well being of their children to have a custody agreement in place. As a Pennsylvania counselor at law and a professional mediator, I am here to provide you with a road map through the child custody and visitation process.

E-mail me or call 717-260-3145 or 866-534-8769 to speak with an experienced lawyer about child custody.

Road Map to Establishing Child Custody

When parents are not living together, separate or divorce, having a legal child custody order in place is essential to the security and wellbeing of their children. In Pennsylvania, there is a process for determining child custody. The first step is to file a custody complaint. The complaint will schedule a court date for the parents to discuss a custody agreement.

When a court date is set, the parents have the following options:

• If the parents are able, they can reach a custody agreement together and have that agreement entered as a court order.
• If the parents agree, they can meet with a mediator to assist them to create a custody agreement they can both support. This agreement will then be entered as a court order.
• The parents can choose to participate in the conciliation conference where a conciliator listens to both sides and if the parents reach an agreement the conciliator sends a report to the judge indicating such and asking for the judge to sign the order. If not, the conciliator sends a report to the judge listing the points of contention and requesting a hearing to be scheduled.

Since a hearing may not occur for several months after the conciliation, parents may choose to go to mediation and/or counseling. Often, these couples are able to discuss how to raise the child, how much parenting time each will receive and any other child custody issues. Many times parents will reach a settlement prior to going to court, so the hearing is cancelled.

Should couples fail to reach an agreement prior to their hearing, they will go before a judge. Many times these court hearings become custody battles with each parent making accusations about the other. Often, family, friends and even clergy offer their views to support one parent to support over another. In the end, bad feelings abound, relationships are broken and a judge issues a standard order that likely does not consider the family's special needs and preferences. Modifications must be court ordered.

Resolving Disputes, Rebuilding Relationships

As a mother, a lawyer and mediator, I know how important children are to parents. My goal is to help you do what is best for your children especially utilizing the power of mediation for settling family disputes. In a private, confidential setting, couples can address their problems, agree to a settlement, move forward and save their money for more important issues.

If you have questions about child custody basics or the custody process, contact my firm. I am here for you. Contact me at 717-260-3145 or 866-534-8769.